Fire Ants - 14
Mia - 0
While after painting at pal Leilani's yesterday, Mia happily played in the pool...she kind of Bogarted the hose, then played in the grass. She happened to sit upon a family of fire ants. Nature Happens. Poor baby cried and cried...the only thing that calmed her down was talking to her Ita via cell phone on the drive home. A dose of Benadryl and a nap later, she seemed fine. This morning, she woke up with a very red and swollen foot and had a little limp to got with it. In comes Google:
Usual Reactions These reactions occur in essentially 100% of people stung by IFAs and include localized pain, swelling and redness at the site of the sting. Within 24 hours, a pus-filled blister will develop at the site of the sting. This blister is not infected; it is caused by a component of the fire ant venom.
Large Local Reactions These reactions are probably allergic in nature and occur in up to 50% of people who are stung by an IFA. Symptoms include a large area of swelling, redness, pain and itching at the site of the sting and occur within 12 to 24 hours of being stung.
Treatment of Acute Reactions
Pustules -- There is no known treatment to prevent the formation of pus-filled blisters (pustules). Once a pustule has formed, it should simply be kept clean and dry, and gently washed with soap and water. The pustule is not infected, but secondary infections from disrupting the pustule are very common. Pustules from IFA stings will heal within three to 10 days.
Large local reactions -- These can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as Motrin (ibuprofen), as well as antihistamines, such as Claritin (loratadine) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Ice can be applied to the area, and the area can be elevated to decrease swelling. Lastly, a topical steroid, such as hydrocortisone 1% cream, can be applied to the local reaction site.
So, I gave her another dose of Benadryl this morning and decided to take it easy today....inside, and she's been as happy as a clam.
on to Mae's gorgeous Tudor home and into her den filled with drums and other musical instruments. we were at the riiiiight place. first was a quick history of the djembe...fascinating! my fav was that the drum is to have 3 spirits..1. the tree (the base) 2. the animal (the skin) 3. the drum maker. then on to the basics. it was exhilarating! for the next hour and a half my mind was free of troubles...the only thoughts were of rhythm and joy. it was great to be in it and then look over at my friends and see the pleasure in their faces. we were kids again!
today, my hands are a little sore...my left one especially...hmmmm must work on placement. oh, after our class, we had sort of a jam session. Mae played two drums and the rest of us picked out our choice of ethnic instrument...we just let loose and blissed out. 
i'm looking forward to next weeks lesson and on our third week joining with our friends...Andrea, Anja, Mel, Leah Ann and Domi (we had to be split b/c of scheduling). off to practice...she gave us homework :)
